ALL CHRISTINA COULD do later that day was sit in Robert the Bruce’s tent and hold her head in her hands. What had she allowed to happen?

She had let everyone down.

Most especially Kenna. 

A tear slid down her cheek as she recalled the pain on Kenna’s face then the pain in Graham’s eyes as he watched her slip away. Christina wasn’t sure she would ever get either image out of her mind.

It was her fault.

She could have stopped it somehow.

Robert handed her a mug of whisky when he entered, concern in his eyes as he sat beside her and took her hand. “I’m so verra sorry, lass. Sorry that ye were taken prisoner by the Sassenach then even sorrier that yer friend met her end today.” He shook his head. “’Twas not right.”

“No it wasn’t,” she whispered then sighed as her eyes drifted to the whisky though she didn’t bother drinking it. “She was a strong woman in so many ways. She kept my head on straight when we were taken.”

“Aye and for that I will forever be indebted to her,” he said, his voice still soft and respectful.

Christina nodded and managed to pull herself out of her own stupor and be decent. “I’m sorry for the men you lost today too.”

While it was on the tip of her tongue to do so, she refrained from calling him sweetie. Anything that might be considered an endearment. Because whatever spell she had been under before when it came to him no longer seemed to apply.

At least not on her part.

Robert nodded his thanks to her comment. “The bodies are being buried and my men commencing outside will say a final farewell. Kenna will be amongst those mourned.” His eyes stayed with hers as he wiped away yet another silent tear rolling down her cheek. “Would ye care to join me, lass?”

“I would,” she whispered and nodded.

Though there was a certain sense of victory in the encampment as they exited, there was also a somber feeling as friends said goodbye to the fallen. A fire had been built a ways out from the graves, and by the looks of it, all had been buried.

It wasn’t difficult locating Lindsay and the rest. They stood together talking softly.

“I need to go be with my friends for a bit,” she murmured.

“Aye, lass.” He touched her shoulder. “Come find me when yer ready.”

She nodded and headed toward Lindsay and the others only to veer off without knowing where she was going. Soon enough, she realized her instincts were bringing her to Graham. He was crouched at the foot of a mound of dirt with his head hung.

She was still a good twenty feet away when he shook his head without looking up and murmured, “Nay, lass. Dinnae come any closer. I wish to be alone.”

Pained by his rejection but understanding it she stopped but couldn’t seem to walk away. Instead, feeling his pain as if it were hers, she sank to her haunches and stayed that way. She wanted to go to him and say how sorry she was. More than that, she wanted to rewind time and make this all better.

Because she could have.

She should have.

“I’m so sorry, Graham,” she whispered. “I never meant to let you down.”

Though she imagined he likely heard her, he never raised his head and never said a word. How did she help him from here? How did she offer comfort? What could she do?

“Nothing, lass,” Grant said softly as he came alongside and held out his hand. “You’ve been out here long enough. Come join us and let Graham work through his emotions.”

“I don’t want to leave him,” she murmured even as she took Grant’s hand and went with him, glancing back at Graham until she couldn’t see him anymore. “He’s taking this real hard, and he has every right to.” She clenched her jaw and wiped away yet another stray tear. “I let him down, Grant. I let her die.”

“You did no such thing,” Grant said, his voice sharp enough to yank her eyes to his. “You protected her the best you could. You fought hard.” He shook his head and stopped. “’Twas her time, Christina. ‘Twas Kenna’s time and she knew it.”

She frowned. “Why does that almost sound like you mean it literally?”

“Because she spoke at length with Sven this morning apparently,” he said softly. “It seems she dreamt that her death was close.” His eyes were moist as he paused then continued. “She was not afraid but instead had a new sense of hope. Things were going as they should, and her renewed hope was for both Scotland and her people... and most especially her friends, old and new.”

“Why did she only tell Sven about this dream?” She kept frowning and shook her head. “We might have been able to help her somehow... save her.”

“’Tis not for us to question why she told Sven,” he murmured. “All that matters is that she felt comfortable enough to confide in him. More than that, she likely realized he would share with us, and that was precisely what she wanted. To give us a sense of peace when we lost her and mayhap a fresh sense of hope for our country as well.”

Christina released a choppy sigh, so darn sad she couldn’t see straight.

Grant cupped her cheek. “As to letting Graham down, no.” He shook his head, his eyes pained. “He’s just coming to terms with things. Blaming himself when he shouldnae. But he’s not blaming you. Graham would never blame you for anything.”

“How do you know?” she whispered. “I might if I were him.”

“He cares for you too much, lass.” Grant’s eyes stayed with hers. “He loves you, Christina.”

“Love?” She widened her eyes, and shook her head, long past playing any part now. “No, we’re not nearly there. Just good friends is all.”

“Aye, I hope ‘tis true,” Bryce said as he joined them, met her eyes and finally put voice to something she had pushed to the back of her mind. “Because if I’m not mistaken, ‘tis our magic together that helped today’s battle. ‘Twas magic born of a MacLomain, Broun connection.”

“Yet it didn’t save poor Kenna.” Christina kept frowning as she looked from Bryce to Grant, remembering all too well what had happened. How they fought together. While she might not want to ask her next question she had to. “Was it then, Grant? Was what Bryce and I did together part of some greater true love connection?”

“I cannae imagine how when you’re in love with Graham, Christina,” Grant remarked.

“What?” both she and Bryce said at the same time.

“No, I’m not,” Christina denied as Bryce pointed at her gem and spoke.

“It glowed bright golden when we battled together and created unbelievable magic,” he reminded. “There must be a great connection betwixt us for that to have happened.”

“Aye,” came a familiar voice before Adlin appeared through the night with Milly. His expression was uncharacteristically grave as his eyes flickered from Christina to Grant. “And ‘tis a connection that we shouldnae ignore.”

Disgruntled surprise flashed in Grant’s eyes as if he suddenly understood something.

“Mil,” Christina exclaimed before she gave Milly a big hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you.”

“Same here.” Milly’s smile seemed strained as she embraced the others. “I wasn’t sure we’d make it.” Her eyes slid to Sven then back. “Though I’d say by the looks of things, Aðísla was right not to tag along.”

“Where is my aunt?” Sven’s eyes narrowed. “Why does she avoid me and our kin?”

“Milly didnae quite say that.” Adlin patted Sven’s shoulder. “We will talk in private, aye?” Then his concerned eyes went to Milly. “But first, are you sure you don’t want me to stay with you and help explain things? Because you know I will.”

“No, go ahead with Sven.” She gave him a reassuring look. “I’ve got this.”

What were they talking about? And why did she get the sinking feeling it had to do with her?

Milly’s eyes went from Christina to the direction of Graham. It seemed she was caught up on things based on her next question. “How’s he doing?”

“Not good,” Christina said bluntly. “In fact, pretty crappy.”

Milly nodded and looked toward the tents. “Is there somewhere we can talk in private?” Her eyes went to Lindsay then back to Christina, her expression troubled. “Just the three of us?”

Lindsay nodded. “Conall and I were given our own tent. That might be the best choice.”

Christina couldn’t agree more considering Robert might very well walk into his tent at any moment. And she wasn’t quite comfortable going to the one she and Graham had shared until she knew if he was upset with her or not.

“So what’s going on?” Christina asked, edgy the moment she entered the tent. No, edgy the second she walked further away from Graham.

Milly said nothing at first but eyed Christina, clearly seeing what she expected to as she murmured, “You’ve really truly fallen for him, haven’t you?”

She frowned. “Fallen for who?”

“Graham.”

“No.”

“But you have, sweetheart,” Lindsay said softly as she lit a fire and urged them to sit. “Since the moment you met him in New Hampshire.” She gave Christina a knowing look. “All games aside.”

“The ring never shined the color of his eyes, did it?” Milly asked. “That was all a charade.”

“No,” she began to lie but instead sighed, plunked down in a chair and muttered, “Yeah, it was a lie.”

“A lie built on what turned out to be the truth,” Lindsay added. “So not really a lie at all.”

“A total lie if the gem never shined a color yet they said it did, Linds.” Milly shook her head before her eyes met Christina’s. “Not to say I don’t see the underlying truth in Lindsay’s defense. Still, it might not be enough...”

“What do you mean, enough.” Christina frowned. “What’s going on?”

Milly eyed her again, clearly not sure how to word things until she came right out with it. “I mean we need to strongly consider you...and Bryce.”

“There is no me and Bryce beyond friendship,” she said bluntly. “I’m sorry. He’s hot and great and all that, but the sparks just aren’t there. It’s not gonna happen.” She shook her head. “Not like that.”

“I understand,” Milly replied. “I really do.” She hesitated. “Yet the sparks are there. Or so said the battle earlier today.”

“So we fought well together.” Christina shrugged, still amazed by what had happened. “That doesn’t spell love in my book.”

“From what I heard, it was more than just fighting well together,” Milly murmured, watching her closely as she sat. “And I think whatever it was blew your mind a little.”

“And distracted me long enough for Kenna to be killed,” Christina spat before she could stop herself. “What kind of warrior lets that happen?”

“You can’t blame yourself for that, and you damn well know it,” Milly said. “You did your best.” Her eyes stayed with Christina’s. “And let’s not forget you were fighting alongside several well-trained Scottish warriors that were trying to protect her as well. Yet she still died.” Her eyes narrowed. “Now tell me about this feeling you had when you and Bryce fought together.”

“Why, so you can relay it back to Adlin?”

“Yes,” Milly readily confessed. “He wanted to speak to you about this, but I told him I would prefer to. That you didn’t know him well enough yet.” She sighed. “He helped create these rings so the more he knows about what happened between you and Bryce, the better. That way, we can get to the bottom of things. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Well, when she put it like that. Christina frowned and took a deep swig of whisky before she finally answered. “Whatever happened between us, it was one helluva power trip and hard to explain.”

“Did it feel sexual?” Milly asked. “Were you aroused?”

“No,” Christina answered honestly, not overly shocked by the question. “It was more like...” she searched for the right words, “more like we knew exactly what the other was going to do and complimented it.” She shook her head. “And I don’t mean by reading each other’s minds. It was more like we had been practicing it for ages and everything just worked out perfect. Like we were invincible together.”

“Hmm,” Lindsay murmured, considering what she had said. “I think I know what you mean but to a lesser degree.” Her eyes went to Milly’s. “When Bryce and I held off the English at the village in Happrew, he as a dragon and me as an enchantress, it felt very intense. Powerful.”

Christina looked between them. “So are we thinking this is dragon related?”

“It could be,” Milly conceded. “Yet you and Bryce seem to be making a much stronger connection even though Lindsay literally saved his life.”

Milly's eyes never left Christina’s as she continued. “When Adlin and I arrived here, he sensed the magnitude of the connection you made with Bryce. Soon after Grant did too. It’s likely they didn’t sense it sooner because they weren’t in the same era together.” She shook her head. “Anyway, they're certain your connection with Bryce is not warlock related. It felt directly connected to the MacLomain magic used when the rings were created.” Her voice softened as she delivered news that made Christina’s chest tighten. “The magical connection that sparked between you and Bryce was without a doubt for the greater good of our clan and Scotland, not against it.”

“Perhaps it also happened because Christina is a warrior and a part of Bryce can relate,” Lindsay volunteered, clearly trying to come to Christina’s rescue. “Both the man and likely even the dragon.”

Milly nodded. “It could be.” Her eyes stayed on Christina. “But the fact remains, three things now tie you to Bryce and what just happened between you two is pretty big...”

When she trailed off, Christina frowned and finished her sentence. “And nothing ties me to Graham except attraction,” she perked her brows, “and him hearing my voice in his head before anyone else did... and then the scant few times I heard him.” She rolled her eyes. “Which is evidently not enough.”

“I have to ask you a personal question, sweetie,” Milly said, not commenting on what Christina had just said.

Somehow, she just knew what her friend was going to ask next, so she beat her to it.

“Yeah, we’ve already slept together,” Christina muttered. “Have you looked at him?” She took another swig and shook her head. “I know, shame on me considering poor Kenna.”

“Ah, the woman he was going to marry to save her clan,” Milly said softly. “That was noble.”

Christina eyed her for a moment before she murmured, “So Adlin knows.”

“Not much gets by him,” Milly responded. “But yes, he’s known for some time.”

“Why didn’t he tell Graham?” She frowned, bewildered and a little frustrated. “Why not tell him that the MacLomains would offer Clan MacLauchlin protection so that Graham didn’t feel the need to marry Kenna?”

“Like Grant, Adlin tends to let things play out as they will,” Milly said. “He doesn’t like to mess with destiny or Fate overly much.”

While that seemed plausible enough, sometimes she got the feeling that Adlin and Grant did the very opposite. That they worked together to steer destiny and Fate right along.

“I’m sorry, but this seems pretty cut and dry.” Christina crossed her arms over her chest, cocked her head and remained focused on Adlin’s silence when it came to Graham and the MacLauchlins. “Ensure a clan protection and help your cousin out.”

“I can pretty much guarantee that Adlin was doing just that,” Milly said. “Though it might not be entirely clear to us how yet.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means Adlin’s as powerful as Grant,” Lindsay reminded. “Which means he’s very much a forward thinker and likely sees things nobody else can.”

“Alrighty then.” Christina sighed and took another swig of whisky, knowing full well she would likely never get a straight answer. Truthfully? She wasn’t sure she wanted one.

“So, I have to ask.” Lindsay’s eyes went to Milly’s before they returned to Christina’s. “We have to ask.” Her brows rose in question. “How was the sex, darling?”

“With Graham?” Christina snorted and looked between them. “How the heck do you think it was?”

“You tell us.” Amusement lit Milly’s eyes. “Details aren't necessary. We just need to find out if...well...if it was the sort of sex it should be if he’s your one true love.”

“Enough with the one true love thing, y’all.” She rolled her eyes again and finally managed a grin. “But as sex goes, it was top notch.”

Lindsay slanted her head. “Just top notch?”

“Yeah, top notch. The highest rung on the totem pole. Doesn’t get any better.” When they looked at her dubiously, she chuckled then gave it to them straight. “Okay, ladies, it was the most amazing sex of my entire life. He could handle me. I’ve never felt anything like it...” Her voice softened and thickened with unexpected emotion. “And I know I never will again.”

Silence fell as they stared at her.

“Hell,” Milly whispered. “Then this really sucks.”

“What?” Christina said.

“What I came in here initially to tell you.” Milly sighed, her eyes pained as they stayed with Christina’s. “If nothing else, we need to make sure we save Scotland’s history, wouldn’t you agree?”

She frowned. “Well, yeah, of course.”

“That means doing everything in our power to make sure that happens,” Milly continued. “Which means harnessing the power of these rings.”

Christina narrowed her eyes. “Your point?”

“My point is you need to listen to that ring, Christina,” she replied, obviously upset but still determined. “And you need to give Bryce half a chance because, despite everything, it’s looking more and more likely that he might be your MacLomain.”

“This sounds an awful lot like what I went through,” Lindsay kicked in. “I was told to pursue man after man though I was always meant for Conall.”

“Right, but now we all know Adlin and Grant were steering you two together,” Milly reminded. “Because you were determined to remain apart.”

“True,” Lindsay conceded as hope sparked in her eyes. “So is that what this is then? Do Adlin and Grant know something we don’t and however opposite it might appear at the moment, they're actually pushing Christina and Graham together?” She shook her head and frowned. “Because I can tell you from experience it’s not all that fun going from guy to guy, even if it is designed to steer you into the arms of the man you’re meant to be with.”

“At least Adlin’s only asking Christina to be with one man,” Milly said softly. “Bryce.” She shook her head. “And as far as I know this is no grand scheme to get Christina and Graham together.”

“So is Adlin ordering or asking me to be with Bryce?” Christina kept her tone not just incredulous but sarcastic as she stood and planted her fists on her hips. “Not that it really matters because it’s bullshit.” She looked skyward and whispered, “Sorry for swearing, Granny.”

“Don’t get too upset, Christina,” Lindsay said, evidently focusing on the one thing Milly said that offered any hope at all. “Like Milly just reminded, Adlin and Grant are known to play games to move Fate along.”

“Yet she also said she didn’t think they were scheming this time.” Christina scowled at Milly as she faced the cold hard truth. “So you’re telling me if I don’t hook up with Bryce, I’m going to destroy Scotland?” Her eyes widened as her voice rose. “Are you seriously telling me that?”

“Yes,” Milly said, her voice firm but her eyes worried. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” She stood as well. “So no, you don’t have to listen to Adlin’s request but consider this if you don’t. Scotland ceasing to exist in the future and what will happen to its people between now and then to see that through. All the death and loss.”

Christina blinked back moisture, shocked by the words coming out of her friend’s mouth. Shocked that she was being guilted into this. Worse yet, that it might actually be true. That her desire to be with Graham could ruin so many lives...an entire country.

She sank into her chair and stared at the fire, baffled and angry but most of all, frightened. Scared that so much was being put on her. So much depended on her.

“What about Robert,” she said absently as her thoughts churned. “He’s determined to marry me.”

“What?” Lindsay and Milly said at the same time.

“I mean he mentioned it a while back, so I figured I better let you know, all things considered.”

They stared at her a moment in utter shock before Milly finally said, “Details would be good.”

“But pointless,” Christina remarked and shrugged. “Seeing how I’ve been ordered...” she shook her head, “I mean asked,” she snapped her fingers, “dang, I meant requested to be with Bryce, I don’t see how it matters.”

Milly narrowed her eyes. “Don’t be a wiseass.”

“I’ll be whatever I damn well please,” she shot back. “Until I wrap my head around everything you just shared.”

“I’m sorry,” Milly said, her voice soft and her eyes genuine. “I really am.”

A few moments later, Conall ducked in followed by Adlin and Grant.

Miffed and not much in the mood to talk she stood only for Grant to shake his head. “Sit, lass. Please. We need to discuss a few things.”

“I tend to think enough’s been discussed,” she replied, saddened that he might be in on this. “Are you aware of what Adlin wants from me?”

Grant nodded. “I’m afraid I am.” His eyes stayed with hers. “And I agree with him.”

“Well, that’s a shame.” She shook her head. “Didn’t you just say before Adlin arrived that you thought Graham and I loved each other? Why say that if you didn’t believe it?”

“What I believe isnae important anymore, lass,” he said gently, sadness in his eyes. “I didnae mean to...” He sighed, distraught. “I didnae mean to lead you in one direction only to ask you to go in another. I'm verra sorry.”

She knew full well he didn't have a better understanding of she and Bryce’s connection until Adlin arrived but still. The whole thing stunk. Her eyes went back and forth between the two arch-wizards. “Does Bryce know? Graham?”

“Aye, we’ve spoken with them,” Adlin replied softly, clearly as upset as Grant.

“Real nice,” she muttered. “Poor Graham. He’s having a heck of a day, isn’t he?” She took another swig of whisky and sank into a chair again as she gave it more thought. “Or maybe he’s just grateful considering I failed to protect Kenna.”

“I told you how I felt about that and ‘tis the truth, lass,” Grant said, his voice gentle yet firm and final. “For now, we’ve other things to worry about as a group, from Robert’s intent to marry you to talk of Fraser.”

“Talk I bloody well intend to be part of,” Graham growled as he stalked in. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment before they swept to Adlin. “We saw Fraser die in battle. Conall was right in front of him. His life was lost. His heart stopped beating. Why then, was Kenna so convinced he might still be alive?” His jaw tightened. “So much so that she would devote her last words to saying as much.”

“I stand beside Graham entirely with this.” Conall shook his head, troubled. “Fraser received multiple fatal wounds and died.” His brows snapped together in confusion as his eyes went from Adlin to Grant. “Yet when we went back for his body it was gone. We assumed the enemy had disposed of it. Do you know otherwise? Have you been keeping the ultimate fate of our cousin from us these long years?”

Both shook their head as Grant responded. “No, Grandson. I swear on your grandma’s life that nothing was kept from you and your cousins. Kenna’s revelation, such as it was, is new to us.”

“Could he be trapped like Da was in some other dimension?” Conall asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

“No,” Christina murmured and shook her head. “Kenna said no, and I believe her.”

She again relayed their vague conversation when in captivity so that everyone could hear it firsthand.

Silence fell afterwards as her words sank in. When her eyes drifted to Graham, he was staring into the fire, as lost in thought as everyone else. She needed him to look at her though. She needed him to know how sorry she was about everything.

Kenna.

Bryce.

Fate.

“We’ll have to wait and see then,” Grant finally said. “But we will not ignore Kenna’s last words, may she rest in peace. And we will not give up hope that mayhap somewhere out there, Fraser is still alive.”

Before he could continue, Bryce ducked into the tent as well, adding that extra body that made things start to feel a little tight. His eyes went to Christina’s, and he nodded before he urged Grant to continue. She sensed by his expression that he had likely caught the discussion about Fraser though he wasn’t here.

“What we need to figure out next is how to get Robert the Bruce to stop desiring you so much, Christina,” Grant said. “No matter how well it served our purpose today.” He shook his head. “That he desires to marry you isnae good.”

“No, but at least I don’t desire him anymore,” Christina said. Though frustrated with Grant and Adlin, she focused on the bigger picture. “That’s halfway to what we want, right?”

“Aye.” Adlin nodded. “’Tis verra good.”

Graham still wouldn’t look her way, yet she sensed he wanted to. That this was as hard on him as it was on her. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

“So should we assume that half the spell cast on Robert and Christina has lifted?” Lindsay asked. “And if that’s the case, what do you suppose caused it? Because if we figure that out, it stands to reason we might be able to replicate it and perhaps lift the curse entirely, right?”

“A sound deduction and equally good questions, lass.” Grant looked at her with pride before his eyes swept over everyone else. “Naturally, ‘twould have had to be something that happened betwixt the last time Robert saw Christina and now which could be a number of things.”

“Aye, it could be a number of things,” Graham said, that same frustrated growl in his voice as his eyes narrowed on Adlin and Grant. “Mayhap because she has embraced her gift in its entirety or because history is starting to correct itself with today’s battle.”

Then his eyes leveled with hers, and he said the last thing she expected. “Or mayhap ‘tis because I’ve truly fallen in love with her.”